Portrait: Mary Timony

Mary Timony

SXSW 2011

Portrait: Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten

SXSW 2011

Portrait: Chelsea Wolfe

Chelsea Wolfe

SXSW 2011

SXSW 2011: Highlight Videos pt.1

I was very excited to see La Sera perform during SXSW. Katy Goodman's solo project is kind of getting brushed off quickly since the next Vivian Girls album is just around the corner, but it is definitely a project that deserves its moment in the spotlight. So it was good to see Goodman get a chance to showcase on her own. Her harmonies have always elevated the songs of the Vivian Girls, and those skills are highlighted on her La Sera album. It's filled with catchy hooks that are made even more infectious coming from Goodman's breathy vocals. I highly recommend giving the album a listen.
Below are some highlight videos from SXSW, including a performance one of my favorite Le Sera tracks "Devils Hearts Grow Gold."  

SXSW 2011: Highlight Images pt.2

Wild Flag totally delivered during SXSW. I think everyone had big exceptions for this supergroup. Being a big Mary Timony fan myself, I was looking forward to this one as well. Having caught them once at The Parish and then again at Mohawk, the verdict is officially in. I need that Wild Flag album in my life like now. This band just jump up to my most anticipated of the year.

One band that caught me by surprise was Secret Cities. I had already loved their debut album, but was not prepared for how different they sound live. The band definitely adds a more organic layer to their usually synth/reverb heavy recordings. Not that either way is better than the other, it was just impressive to hear those songs in new light.

Here are a couple more shots. Videos to come soon...

 Wild Flag

Okkervil River 

TV On The Radio

Big Boi

 Secret Cities

Callers 

Wires Under Tension 

Check out more SXSW photos via my facebook, and other highlights on this blog.  

SXSW 2011: Highlight Images pt.1

Another SXSW is in the bag. It's was my forth to be exact. Anyone who knows me personally, or follows me on twitter, has probably heard some trash talking coming from my side regarding South-by in the weeks leading up to it. I have my issues. Even in just the four short years I've attended, I've watched the event explode to an insurmountable level. It seems that the discovery of music has taken a backseat to tons of corporate sponsored parties that attract hordes of people who aren't even interested in music, just free beer. However when it's all said and done, I always have a blast. 

The photos that follow are the reasons why. I played it light this year and narrowed down a short MUST must-see list, which I pretty much got everyone checked off.  Number 1 on that list was Chelsea Wolfe, who I got a double shot of and was not disappointed. She sounded amazing, she was super gorgeous, and really friendly. Also on that list were Sharon Van Etten, La Sera, and Shabazz Palaces, who can all be seen below.

I'll have more SXSW images tomorrow, and videos later in the week. So please check back. 

Sharon Van Etten

Chelsea Wolfe

Dum Dum Girls 

 La Sera

Oh Land

 Shabazz Palaces

American Music Club

Wye Oak

Download Free Music For SXSW 2011

I've got to be the laziest music blogger when it comes to SXSW. The big event officially kicked off today with the start of the Interactive and Film portions, yet I haven't begun mapping out a game plan for next week's music festivities. There are plenty of shows and parties this weekend as proof that the music doesn't wait until Wednesday. But I guess I officially still have a couple days to come up with something.

For anyone else that is in the same boat as me, or is a little clueless as to who to go see, here are a few worthwhile samplers that I've come across in the past couple days. I'm sure there are plenty more, but if you're looking for free music of SX bands, here is where you start.

The Austin Town Hall Sampler
featuring: La Sera, She Sir, The Great Nostalgic, Secret Cities, Toro Y Moi, Cloud Control, Everyone Everywhere, The Cults, Yuck, etc.

SPIN Presents AUSTIN POWER
featuring: Jessica Lea Mayfield, Okkervil River, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, J Mascis, Twin Shadow, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten, The Kills, etc.

Don't Mess With Texas Sampler
featuring: The Black Angels, Charles Bradley, OFF!, The Dodos, Say Hi, Surfer Blood, etc.

Ioda Opening Day Bash Sampler 
featuring: Gold Panda, Beach Fossils, Weekend, True Widow, Queen Sea Big Shark, Withered Hand, etc.

Dirtnap Records Sampler
featuring: High Tension Wires, Mind Spiders, Something Fierce, Bad Sports, The Steve Adamyk Band, etc.